Premium Lifestyle (Luxury, Central, Walk Everywhere)

Orchard Road (District 9 & 10)

Who it’s for: Finance executives, senior expats, couples without kids
Rental range (2026): SGD 5,500 – 12,000+ / month

Why expats love it:

• Walk to luxury malls, restaurants, MRT

• Close to CBD

• High-end condos with concierge, pools, gyms

• Vibrant expat community

Considerations:

• Very high rent

• Busy and commercial

Marina Bay / Tanjong Pagar

Who it’s for: Professionals working in CBD
Rental range: SGD 4,500 – 9,000+

Why expats love it:

• Walk to office

• Modern high-rise living

• Incredible skyline views

• Close to bars & nightlife

As someone based around Tanjong Pagar, you’ll know the convenience here is unbeatable — especially if you hate commuting.

 

Lifestyle & Family-Friendly (Green, Spacious, International Schools)

Sentosa Cove

Who it’s for: Ultra-high-net-worth expats
Rental range: SGD 8,000 – 25,000+

Why expats love it:

• Waterfront living

• Landed houses (rare in Singapore)

• Resort lifestyle

• Privacy & exclusivity

This is Singapore’s version of Beverly Hills by the sea.

Holland Village

Who it’s for: Families, Western expats
Rental range: SGD 3,800 – 7,000

Why expats love it:

• Strong expat community

• International schools nearby

• Cafés, bars, relaxed vibe

• More space than central condos

Very popular with British & Australian families.

Bukit Timah

Who it’s for: Families prioritizing schools & greenery
Rental range: SGD 4,000 – 10,000

Why expats love it:

• Close to top international schools

• Landed homes available

• Quiet and green

• Near nature reserves

 

Mid-Range (Good Balance of Value & Convenience)

Tiong Bahru

Who it’s for: Young professionals, creatives
Rental range: SGD 3,000 – 5,500

Why expats love it:

• Hipster café scene

• Close to CBD

• Mix of heritage flats + new condos

• Strong local vibe

East Coast

Who it’s for: Families & outdoor lovers
Rental range: SGD 3,000 – 6,000

Why expats love it:

• Near beach & park

• More space for money

• Family-oriented

• Good food scene (Katong area)

Many expats prefer East Coast over central because you get bigger units at lower prices.

 

Budget-Friendly (Still Comfortable for Expats)

Queenstown

Who it’s for: Young expats, singles
Rental range: SGD 2,500 – 4,500

Why it works:

• 10 minutes to CBD

• More affordable condos

• New developments

• Good MRT connectivity

Pasir Ris / Punggol

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious families
Rental range: SGD 2,200 – 4,000

Pros:

• Newer estates

• Larger units

• Very family-friendly

Cons:

• Far from CBD (30–45 mins commute)

 

Quick Summary by Lifestyle

Lifestyle	Best Areas
Ultra Luxury	Sentosa Cove, Orchard
CBD Convenience	Marina Bay, Tanjong Pagar
Expat Community	Holland Village
Nature & Schools	Bukit Timah
Trendy & Central	Tiong Bahru
Beach Living	East Coast
Budget Near CBD	Queenstown
Budget Family	Punggol, Pasir Ris

 

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” place in Singapore — it depends on:

• Your housing allowance

• Whether you have kids

• Your commute tolerance

• Lifestyle priorities (beach, nightlife, schools, space)